Arborist

The Arborist Journeyman is part of Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations (VUMO) and is a key individual responsible for maintain the trees on campus. This individual will be responsible for climbing trees to trim and prune across Vanderbilt campus and disease diagnosis. Reporting directly to theFacilities & Grounds Service Manager. This individual must be able to work in all conditions.

VUMO provides facilities support for all construction renovation and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic administrative residential and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.

Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Cut away dead and excess branches from trees using handsaws pruning hooks sheers and clippers

• Climb trees using climbing rope hooks and belts or climbs ladders to gain access to work area

• Prune cut down fertilize and spray trees as directed

• Scrape decayed matter from cavities in trees and fill holes to promote healing and to prevent further deterioration

• Perform general maintenance such as feeding chipper raking leaves/limbs sweeping debris driving chipper truck and small tractor picking up trash planting flowers

• Prune shrubs and hedges as required

• Operate truck-mounted hydraulic lifts pruners power saw and power pruner

• Climb trees using climbing hooks and belts or by climbing ladders

• Mixing and application of herbicides pesticides insecticides and fungicides

• Storm damage clean-up

• Perform other related tasks as required

Additional Information

This is a full-time position: 40 hours per week. Candidates must be available to work 7am 3.30pm Monday Friday and have availability to work out of hours in the case of emergencies.

Education and Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED is required

• ISA Arborist Certification is preferred

Experience and Skills:

• Three years of experience

• Working in Higher Ed is preferred

• Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid drivers license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records